HERKIMER — Two men were arrested on misdemeanor sexual misconduct charges "for inappropriate contact with farm animals" in Herkimer County, State Police said Friday.

Michael H. Jones, 35, of Cedarville Road outside Ilion, and Reid A. Fontaine, 31, address unknown, were arrested after a local farm owner set up video surveillance cameras in his barn to determine why his cows appeared anxious and were not producing as usual, according to authorities.

The farm owner then contacted troopers after his video camera surveillance revealed the cows were being sexually abused, police stated.

An investigation revealed that Jones agreed to videotape Fontaine as he tried to have sexual contact with several cows, police said.

Both men were charged with one count each of sexual misconduct and released on an appearance ticket.